Isn't That Sweet? Shipowners "Deeply Sorry" For Wreck Likely To Be Worst NZ Oil Spill In History

The owners of a crippled container ship that ran aground off New Zealand have apologised for the country's worst pollution crisis as a salvage crew made a daring landing on the vessel. The Liberian-flagged Rena's owner, Costamare Shipping Company of Greece, said on Thursday it was "deeply sorry" for the disaster.

In a video statement from Greece, Diamantis Manos, Costamare's managing director, said the company was working with New Zealand authorities to establish how the ship ran aground on October 5. He said that it would not be appropriate to speculate on how the accident happened but described the ship's captain, who has been charged by New Zealand authorities, as "an experienced master" who "has an exemplary record".

Salvage crews were undecided on whether the remaining fuel could be pumped from the vessel before it breaks up. Environmentalists have warned of a disaster for wildlife if all the ship's 1,870 tonnes of oil and 220 tonnes of diesel is allowed to spill into the ocean.

Officials said a helicopter winched salvage workers onto the deck of the stricken Rena, which was "creaking and groaning" as it threatened to break apart in the North Island's Bay of Plenty after hitting a reef last week.

EDIT

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2011/10/2011101384640384942.html